ANTS Members Archives - Arizona Pest Control - Pest Management Services

All posts in “ANTS Members”

Bug Control

Comments Off

Bug Control

So at this point if you have read any of my previous posts, you know I’m a BIG fan of IPM and Schools should really be using this program. So how do I investigate before I propose for a bug control service.

I always check with the customer, what are they seeing, how many and when are they seeing them?
Then I preform an inspection.
- I carry a flashlight, mirrors and tools so I can get into areas and under things like sheds etc.
- Transfer my notes to proposal sheet.
Discuss options with the owner.
- Is it insect pest or rodents, could be an issue outside with the shed or honeybees on exterior of home.
- If it is rodents discuss what rodent stations look like and how they work, snap traps may also be involved.
- I usually draw a graph, mandatory with termite but also good on pigeon work that needs to be done.

I have run into some problems especially in the Sun City, Surprise area of some Pest Control companies that either don’t issue a proposal before the work and/or jack up prices as they arrive to do the work. ProBest Pest Management doesn’t condone jacking up pricing – we will always issue a pest estimate on any work other than the typical pest control service. 602-249-7378 or 623-414-0176

Ants – baits or Termidor

Comments Off

Ants – baits or Termidor

So the question is – Ants – baits or Termidor, what is the best or what works best?

So what is my preference? Inside or outside would be my 1st question? Inside = TerroPCO, it is a bait which the scout ants find and then the others to take it back home and the Queen drinks and dies. Outside you may have a few more choices from MaxForce Granular bait to Termidor (a spray). I prefer the spray, I use a small spritzer bottle and go around the mound. The bait is a little trickier, once open it needs to be kept cool to maintain the oils. Often times people will open the bait container, product works fine and then needs it again and this time doesn’t work. Oil has dried out and nothing to encourage ants to take it home.

Like any pest, ID first and then decide on the battle technique. Set the plan and get into the battle, as it may turn into this. It may take follow-up and consistency in treatment protocols, that is one reason why calling a Pest Management Professional is the Key to solving that pest issue.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvkOLV_VCPY[/embedyt] [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqvWOJI_Iuc[/embedyt]

It’s not the appliance but the hole that lets in the critters.

Comments Off

The appliance and the hole.

The appliance and your home. It’s the hole that affects the entry of the pests. Often the wall socket is surrounded by the cover but may still allow pests. The cover may fit tightly but the technique is to fill in that gap with caulking. By sealing the outside, you stop the pests outside. But if there is a gap and they encounter it they may get in. Home-sealing is still the best option and helps to add one more line of defense against the possible invasion of pests.

Home-sealing eliminates the holes or crack that scorpions, ants and spiders may take into your home. You can do your own sealing or hire a professional company to do it. It is better to be done in the winter if you you-re doing it as it HOT and messy. You can do the inside any ole time and its easy enough to do, pull the cover down or off and caulk.

Facts just the facts

Comments Off

Facts: remember the show – “Just the Facts please just the facts.

A few Facts.

All scorpions are venomous but only about 25 species are known to have venom capable of killing a human being. We only have one in Arizona that is a concern however there have been no deaths attributable is some time.
Termites were once classified in a separate order from cockroaches, but recent phylogenetic studies indicate that they evolved from close ancestors of cockroaches during the Jurassic or Triassic.
New reproductive termites are winged, and able to fly. This is the time when most people think they are ants, but unlike ants they have straight antenna and no pinched waist.
Scorpions are known to be one of the oldest animals on earth, 430 million years ago and emerged from the Oceans.
Arachnophobia is the fear of Spiders. It is one of the most common fears in the world. It probably affects about 10% of men and 50% of women.
Houseflies existed 65 million years ago! I hate flies!
In Arizona we have wind scorpions or the Arizona sun spider, these eight-legged creatures aren’t technically spiders at all.
Boxelder bugs can congregate on buildings and home, they are a real threat except to some plants and the best measure to keeping them out is home seal and vacuum when they do get inside.
Did you know that the Arizona State Bug is the Two-tailed Swallowtail Butterfly?

Cupcake ants

Comments Off

Cupcake ants

Ohhhhh nnoooooo Cupcake Ants! OK so these are edible cupcake ants, but have you ever made something and found ants on it. You may notice them on or near the kitchen sink or maybe even the bathroom. Some ants are attracted to sugar or protein, I’ve seen them on bars of soap (don’t get me started on Tide Pods) and they will eat just about anything. I wonder why they don’t blow small little bubbles?

No one likes bugs in the house?

So it’s no surprise that we get calls all the time on ants, usually indoor Pharaoh ants or as we use to all them Sugar or Piss ants. The ideal method of control is to bait them with either sugar or protein. Then wait for them to carry it home to the Queen. When she dies they all die. Many folks just grab a can of XYZ and spray away, this only kills the ants present and does little to no good on terminating the root of all evil – The Queen. Until she is dead, she will continue to lay eggs and march on.

Stung

Comments Off

Stung by a bee or ant?

Stung lately? Bee or ant stings are quite painful and I’ll tell you they can hurt. Bee stings can continue to pump venom into the area so it’s very important to remove the stinger quickly. Also important is not to squeeze the venom sac, this could put more venom into your skin.

I recently ran into a product called Stop Ease, it greatly helps to alleviate the pain. Here is some info from the Mayo Clinic on stings. As always check your property monthly, when hiking make sure you are familiar with exit routes. As always BEE careful.

Ants

Comments Off

Ants inside or outside

Ants can be a real pain in the tush, they seem to show up at the weirdest or most wacky of times. Most of the time when inside, they can be eliminated by using a bait such as TerroPco. Did you know that the Maricopa Havester ant sting is considered the most venomous of all insects. I think they don’t get a lot of publicity because they seldom sting. You may notice them by their large area that is void of debris or vegetation.

The key to keeping them out of your house is cleanliness. If they come inside use a bait to get to the Queen ant.

Valentine Day

Comments Off

Don’t spend your Valentine Day with the bugs!

Valentine or bust – As many might be aware of, we had some sightings recently in Phoenix, Arizona. Spotted in several weird places, shopping carts and movie theaters. I often worry that my techs or myself might bring them home after an inspection or treatment. So what can you do to protect yourself?

Stay informed, if you hear about it – ask management.
If something is biting at the place, ask or inform management.
If you suspect bedbugs please check clothing or carry on stuff like purses etc.
Remove clothing in garage and immediately put in washer/dryer for at least 40 minutes on high heat.
If you suspect them in your house quarantine the room in question, don’t be moving things around and call a Professional.

Doodlebugs / Antlions

Comments Off

Antlions = Doodlebugs

Doodlebugs you might notice especially under sheds or awning small funnel shaped pits, yep it’s the antlions trap. The antlion waits on unsuspecting prey to fall into the trap and then attacks. These little assassins reside just about everywhere in the US, well maybe not Alaska but check them out anyway. They are way cool!

Now another bit of information, there are bugs that transform into more beautiful things. Monarch Caterpillar into a beautiful Butterfly, Dragonfly Triad into a beautiful Dragonfly and then this Antlion terror larva into a Lacewing, check out some pictures online to see what I’m talking about.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=er7EeBBwako[/embedyt]

ProBest Pest Management – Who you gonna call?

Comments Off

So that BIG question – Who you gonna call? ProBest Pest Management

Well Dr Bug hopes it’s ProBest Pest Management 602-249-7378. Since 1981 ProBest has been consulting on bug issues throughout Maricopa and Pinal Counties, Arizona. From ants to Zarrhipis (these are slender larva of a beetle known to enjoy Millipedes) and the cool thing about these larva is that luminescence. I mean really who in the world knows this stuff, yep Dr. Bug. So if you need pest control hire someone who knows the biz.

With no cold weather again this winter, the bugs are going to be fierce and we will come in contact more often. Snakes are out since it is already HOT and honeybees have been swarming for a few weeks. The hunters and their prey, overwintered without that extreme cold. We also have had enough rain early in the year so bee ready for the bugs.

ProBest Pest Management